Our Story
Bassel Osmani, Nelly Kohsok and Fouad Khodr founded Pita Jungle in 1994. The three were students at the time attending Arizona State University. The friends often socialized outside of classes, and they all had a similar hard-working attitude and vision for the future. Upon graduating college, they all recognized a need for more healthy restaurants around the university’s Tempe campus, and set out to make a difference by leveraging their own personal experiences gained by working in the local restaurant industry. It was then that the vision for Pita Jungle was born.
“Pita Jungle was founded on the principle of serving the best quality food at a reasonable price with exceptional customer service,” says Osmani. “Instead of focusing on profit right out of the gates, we placed bringing people through the door as our top priority. Another key component and differentiating factor for us was the vegan and vegetarian menu items. At the time when we started, there was only one nearby market offering these kinds of options, and our team wanted to make healthy, great-tasting food readily available for those leading both lifestyles.”
With only $15,000 and a vision, the trio opened the first Pita Jungle location in Tempe in 1994. They built the location with their own hands, employing the help of only one handyman.
The Pita Jungle concept is based on offering a healthful and natural cuisine abounding with vegetarian and vegan options, crafted within the principles of the Mediterranean diet. The menu flourishes with items that seek to balance greens, grains, legumes, low fat meats and fruits.
Julie D
2 months agoI cannot say enough good things about this place...I wish I lived closer because I would probably go for lunch every day.. The food was worth the price. Presentation was on point and the two servers that waited on the whole restaurant sitting the lunch rush were amazing. I liked this place so much the first time I tried it, I went back the next day. Definitely try this place out of you're in northwest Tucson.
Steven Marks
a week agoA great place for a casual flavorful meal. We come here 3-4 times a year. The food does not disappoint.
Bonnie Quinn
2 months agoThe Mediterranean Chicken Salad is one of the best salads Iโve ever had. So much pride and prep go into this fresh and flavorful chopped salad that features grilled marinated chicken, mixed greens and crunchy romaine, feta cheese, tomatoes, corn, golden raisins, red onion, fresh Italian parsley and a Lemon Vinagrette. Yes, I dissect this salad every time I order it. Itโs perfect every time. Hubby loves both the Chicken Shwarma pita and Fallafel pita. Sergio is a consistently pleasant and professional server. Overall great experience!
Julia Gibson
8 months agoAfter hiking in Catalina State Park, the two of us stopped for a healthy lunch. I must say the food did not disappoint and the decor was eclectic (unique, but appealing). Our server was great, but he was the only one taking orders and running food to tables (so please hire him a helper).
Victoria Heimink
a month agoI love this Pita Jungle to begin with but tonight Vanessa took my experience to another level. Her knowledge of the menu items, how they are prepared, and what the ingredients are is unparalleled. Her service skills were phenomenal. She could truly read the vibe and be attentive but not bothersome. Her recommendations were on point. I tried the lentil salad from her recommendation and it was incredible. I normally eat the Mediterranean chicken salad when I go, but felt like changing it up, and that dish is true perfection. Her attitude was amazing and warm. She is just magical. I am going to be back soon and not just for the delectable food but for the service she provided. Thank you Vanessa, you made my night, you're so amazing words can't come close to describing.